The Ruby Phoenix Tournament
As your team and other contestants arrive, townsfolk shower you all with cherry blossoms and hand out ceramic cups filled with warm, pungent liquor. The crowd forms a reception that leads to the center of town, where a crowded noodle house, Yon Loi’s, serves as the hub of all activity in New Harbor. The noodle house is a large, open-air structure centered around a courtyard filled with long, shaded tables for commoners. Smaller round tables fill a roofed balcony surrounding the courtyard, from which wealthier patrons and the tournament elite may look over the establishment. The kitchen sits on the ground floor, behind a short partition.
The townsfolk help in seating and serving the newly arriving contestants. Each receives a complimentary bowl of salty noodle soup containing fish and vegetables; beyond this first bowl, each additional serving costs 5 sp.
What would you like to do?
Radrick arrives in the town with his team. They had taken little time practicing combat routines or discussing the upcoming competitions. They had decided on a team name, The Crashing Waves. It fit their fighting styles for this team as well as any Radrick had ever been with.
This competition sounded very interesting. While teamwork would make the team more powerful, many fighters were very independent making it difficult to integrate their styles with others. Radrick's own style was hardly what one would call flexible, but his use of maneuvers to 'adjust' the combat fit fairly well with the others' fighting skills. They'd see just how well once the competition started.
With the others of the team he graciously accepts the drink, then the salty noodle bowl. It is all part of the total experience and he scans the area for other competitors that he may have faced in his years, and for any unique looking persons like those on his team. After all, a couple of humans were hardly worth notice, but the Tengu and Nagaji were unique enough to gather interest.
As he scans the room Radrick also looks for a table with room for four together, "Anybody want to chat with the competition? Or shall we just find seats and let them come to us? Looks like the 'elite' are already watching. Should we 'dance' over to a table?"
Positively surprised by the attention they receive by the townsfolk Kurasu enjoys the walk to Yon Loi's Noodle House to the fullest, happily accepting the drinks that are being handed out and here and there stopping by to make some small talk where it seems appropriate.
Most Tengu would not appreciate such a commotion and rather stay hidden in the background. However Kurasu was no such Tengu, easily observable from his gear, which for the most parts is colored a bright blue or yellow with black accents, he likes to stand out from the crowd. His most prized possession in this regard was his Protean Cloak, which continually shifts between all colors imaginable.
The Tengu relished the spot light they were given and a happy expression graced his face as he entered the noodle house together with his companions.
Observing the bar while listening to Radrick, his eyes get caught by the appearance of a beautiful horned lady, he presumes to be a Tiefling. After Radrick finishes talking, Kurasu slowly nods and a roguish glint shimmers in his eyes. "Yes, a chat with the competition sounds like it would be entertaining indeed. Why don't we take seats over there?" he points his beak towards the table the horned girl is sitting and promptly gets going in that direction.
Arriving there, noodle soup firmly held in both hands, Kurasu would introduce himself to the group of people sitting at the north end of the table "Excuse me, but would it bother you if my companions and I, with a nod of his head he gestures towards his allies, should they still stand in the entrance had a seat at your table?"
A loud dwarf across the table bolsters, "Ah ha, we have ourselves one of those strange looking folk. Hey Stan, look at this guy." The Dwarf with the red beard stands up and leans across the table. His beard and belly knocking over a few things as he reaches out to handshake. "Names Talon."
The other dwarf looks up at you and laughs and then takes a big swig of his ale. "Have a seat, my friend here seems to like you."
The female tiefling smiles as you ask for a seat but does not say anything. She turns to smile at the dwarves then takes a drink of her own ale.
Dahn Long shrugs at the others and follows Kurasu, slapping a hand on the Tengu's shoulder and taking a seat next to him.
"Guess this one's not much of a talker," he says to his teammate. "That's fine with me!" He laughs and shoots the tiefling a lewd grin.
He gestures to someone for a drink and turns to the dwarves. "Tran Dahn Long," he says offering a hand to shake, "my friend here is Kurasu. You gentlemen and the lady here on a team together?"
The tiefling responds, "I don't know them. You could say I got the same greeting." Her facial expressions are rather plain.
The dwarves laugh and Stan speaks, "Ah that one is a bit quiet. She's alright with me though. But this beautiful young lady is with us." He grabs the female dwarf as some ale spills around the table and on them. He then kisses her and they all laugh again.
Kurasu shakes hands with the Dwarves and sits down.
Glad that his teammates joined him , he nods at Danh's remark, but adds "Among my people there is a saying, roughly translated it would be something like this: A silent water unmoved by wind and waves, may bring forth the most lovely water lily. ". After a quick glance towards the Tiefling to see if she shows any reaction to his compliment, the Tengu would start eating and focus his attention on his soup for a while.
Radrick smiles when Sol introduces him. He sits quietly watching and listening as the more talkative of the team.... interact with the others. The quiet tiefling intrigues him a bit. Is she quiet to stay unnoticed and watch like he is doing?
The tiefling woman doesn't seem to notice your compliment. Radrick senses that she is just eating, but you do get the feeling she is also observing.
Sake is delivered to Kurasu for 1sp.
I must have lost my touch with women in all those years wandering Xian Tia... or maybe... just... maybe she happens to have a dislike towards black feathers.
A feint smile on his face Kurasu thought; A bit of a sting in the heart of a warrior poet nonetheless. But as far as I am aware, there is no cliff nor rock, no matter how sturdy, that cannot be worn away by the ocean's waves, if given enough time.
He decided that he will start a conversation with this intriguing tiefling woman another time. Maybe when they have manged to ascend a bit further in the tournament, if Hei Feng should so choose as to guide him and his comrades to victory.
As for now, his soup bowl was empty and the sake cup was full.
Trying to satisfy his curiosity and get some small talk going Kurasu asks while taking a good sip of his sake cup; "I figure a group of dwarves this imposing will most certainly be here on Xielan Island for the Red Phoenix Tournament. How have you been doing in the qualifiers? Did you have a pleasant journey to Xian Tia or are you fellow country...eh... dwarves...?"
Radrick continues listening and watching. Not wanting to get inebriated he orders another bowl of noodles and hot tea with lemon.
A man steps up to your table, "These events always get me worked up. Who wants to challenge me to a wrestling match. A friendly one, right here right now?" He looks upon the group at this table waiting for a response.
Kurasu looks the man in the eyes, he knows he will most likely get his beak pressed into the mud when it comes to ground game with a monk.
At least without divine help that is... but he quickly dismisses the thought of using his powers during a friendly wrestling match... it would feel unsportsmanlike to him.
At the end of the day, he came to this tournament to find inspiration and to get to know new people and for the most part to see how strong he had become during his past journeys... also a bit to show off probably.
If one thing was for certain, a wrestling match would get him some attention from the other combatants and that in itself would be a worthy prize to the Tengu, though he thinks he will probably be the looser.
Radrick finishes his tea, then stands and steps up to the man. "Hello friend. My name is Radrick Anon. I'm not much of a wrestler, but if you'd like to try me in a friendly martial contest I'd be happy to face you. We might need to clear some floor space though so none of the innocent patrons are harmed?"
The monk responds to Radrick, "Oh no one will get hurt."
He then responds to Sol, "Ooohhh, nice muscles." He flexes as well.
"Thank you for the offer, friend, but I wouldn't call myself a wrestler," Danh Long says, raising his hands in a gesture of innocence. He is about to volunteer one of his companions to redirect the attention from himself when Radrick and Sol both speak up to accept the challenge.
"Well, this should be entertaining," he laughs. "Can we move these tables?" He begins to call for people to make room.
Sol beats the monk in initiative and gets the flat-footed attempt on him. Unfortunately, it was still not enough to beat his CMD. He then tries to grapple you in return. Since you acted, you are not flat-footed.
CMD 30
With success you are now both under the grappled condition. Apply this to any further rolls.
Radrick watches as Sol tries to wrestle with the monk. Both are obviously quite strong but the monk is obviously better trained. He patiently waits for his turn.
"I'll give you a moment to catch your breath if you'd like?" He expects the man to immediately start and stands ready.
Sol fails to control the grapple. The monk tries to pin you.
CMD 28 (grappled)
He pins Sol, but quickly gets up to offer you a hand up. "I wasn't sure I was going to succeed at first. Oh you want to play too?" He turns towards Radrick.
Radrick beats him in initiative and gets the FF jump on him. You grapple the monk.
CMD 26 (grappled)
He is now grappling Radrick.
Radrick grins when the other monk confirms what he thought and rapidly reverses the grapple. He knows the other is better but won't surrender that quickly! Focusing his Ki again he attempts the same....
Radrick fails to reverse the grapple.
CMD 26 (grappled)
He pins you but quickly gets up and offers you a hand.
While Radrick and Sol are caught up with their wrestling challenge, Kurasu looks to the upper balcony to see if any of the patreons or higher elite are observing the match.
After the outcome is decided, the Tengu stands up from his bench to hand Randrick his stuff, that was left in his care. With a pat on Radrick's shoulder he says to the two of them "Your opponent was really strong, I am sure I would have gone down in half the time he needed for you guys. Either way, I am gonna look for someone to have a chat with. Do we have an acommodation yet, where we can meet should we fail to find each other again in this crowded place?"
Afterwards Kurasu would head towards the counter to get himself another drink, while he scans the room for someone who looks like they'd be up for some light hearted chat.
Radrick takes the offered hand up with a smile. "Thank you! You are an excellent wrestler and that was fun! What is your name and where are you from? I'd like to know just in case I ever run in to someone that wants wrestling training. Will you be looking for some more sparring or would you join us for light refreshments? I'd be happy to pay for that lesson." He returns to the table and his tea, accepting consolation from Kurasu.
"Good show!" Danh Long shouts, applauding. "Careful not to get too close to this guy in the tournament, folks!"
Then, looking around for a server, "Can I get another drink over here?!"
Kurasu looks around, it’s hard to tell if anyone is special. Everyone here seems to be unique in their own way. However, Kurasu does notice a hooded figure on the top balcony looking down observing everyone. Kurasu finds someone to chat with, they don't seem to be from around here and they aren't in the tournament. You gather they came here to watch the tournament and do some site seeing. You discover they are from Taldor.
The man laughs, ”I am Chung Po!” He does a martial arts stance while introducing himself. Ah sure I’ll have a seat for a quick drink. He then sits down.
Radrick casually stretches the muscles and joints that are a little sore from the wrestling match. "Chung Po? Well met then. I am Radrick Anon, obviously not the best wrestler here."
He looks at his empty tea cup and decides against another. Too much could keep him awake when he needed rest in the evening. He thinks for a second then orders some hot sake.
Chung Po sits down. "I don't give lessons, but perhaps that's not a bad idea to consider after I win the tournament. Master Chung Po!" He smashes one fist to the palm of his other hand and holds that position for a moment.
"Tran Danh Long," Danh Long says, extending a hand.
"A master?" Danh Long sounds impressed. "It's an honor," he says with a bow.
Chung Po starts talking to the anyone at the table, "Ten years ago the Ruby Phoenix Tournament celebrated its 30th decennial games, marking 300 years of the tradition. To honor the occasion, instead of the traditional 64 entrants, an extra round of competition was added, bringing the total number of competing teams to a record 128. But we are back to 64 entrants now."
Radrick relaxes with his ale listening to Chung Po. He chuckles when he hears the numbers. "So winning this round will only be half as prestigious as the previous? Well, we'll have to do something spectacular then to be remembered!"
"Then we're fortunate that I do everything spectacularly, eh, friend?" Danh Long says to Radrick with a confident laugh. Then, to Chung Po, "I take it you've been to many of these. This is my first. How does the tournament usually proceed?"
While Kurasu is listening to the traveler he learns a thing or two in regards to the tournament. In the last Ruby Phoenix Tournament, a sorceress from Lingshen was disqualified just prior to the final round for cheating. She swore vengeance upon her competitor, the de facto victor Marthysan the Righteous. While some believe she may strike soon, the event happened a decade ago, and many believe the sorceress has forgotten about the perceived slight or moved on.
Chung Po responds to Radrick, "That is what I hope, to be remembered."
He then responds to Danh, "No, can't say I have. I am very excited, I just hope I don't over do it."
Radrick nods to Chung, "Being remembered is really about the only immortality that we can hope for. Being good at what you do and passing that skill on to students is one of the best ways. Your goal is admirable."
Chung Po continues to chat with you lot, "I heard there is another way to get remembered. More than 30 of the 128 entrants in the thirtieth tournament perished in unrelated accidents, or exhibition combats not covered by the tournament’s strictures on ethics, honor, and safety. More than half of these deaths were attributed to the dragon Huyanwo, whose defeat has long been the ambition of Ruby Phoenix contestants hoping to make a name for themselves outside the arena. Maybe I should try myself."
Radrick's expression shows that he is impressed. "A dragon? Can't imagine trying to wrestle with that, but if a number of the contestants banded together it should be possible to win. And surely some have arcane arts to aid the attack, and others with divine art to protect the group. If such an opportunity presents itself I'd be glad to fight it at your side!" He thinks for a moment, "If this dragon, Huyanwo, has been around for previous combats, surely someone knows of his powers. Does it use fire? Lightning? or any sort of magic? Preparation can sometimes win a battle before it even starts."
Chung Po looks overwhelmed by your questions and yawns, "I don't really know, but I think I'm gonna tuck in."
I have heard some interesting banter while chatting with the foreigners Kurasu thought to himself;
I will remember to share this with my teammates tomorrow... also while doing my morning meditation I should ask of Hei Feng to bestow upon the ability to cast Freedom of Movement in case we face Chung Po or a different equally capable wrestler... Yes... That seems reasonable, but for today I think I am going to the Inn and get some rest. I am sure it is going to be a long day tomorrow .
The Tengu would walk by the table his friends are sitting to check on them and inform them of his intentions;
"Hey comrades! I think I had my fair share of socializing for today and I will be heading to the Inn, for some extra sleep. After all I would like to start off with a memorable entrance tomorrow." he winks "Does anyone want to join me?"
Radrick downs his ale and stands, "A good night of sleep does sound sensible so we can get a good start on the tournament. Maybe we can find someone else to ask about the dragon after we win our fight."